From the Travel Office: Unspoiled Eastern Europe by Luxury Train

Copyright Venice Simplon Orient-Express

The storied Venice Simplon Orient-Express diverts from its usual Venice-Paris route this July, making an eight-day foray into Eastern Europe. This itinerary presents a unique opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most fascinating and underappreciated cities in the high style of the golden age of rail travel. Because of the extended length of this journey, all guests will have cabin suites with double the space of normal cabins.

After a glamorous departure from Venice, passengers traverse the Alps and arrive the next morning in medieval Kraków, a thoroughly enchanting city reminiscent of Prague before it was discovered. One evening, travelers take a private tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, noted for its immense underground church with floor tiles, sculptures and chandeliers carved entirely from salt. The mine’s atmospheric tavern makes a memorable setting for a traditional Polish feast.

Two days later, it’s off to the baroque pearl of Dresden, which has risen phoenix-like from the ashes of World War II. Once again it’s possible to marvel at the Fabergé-egg interior of the Church of Our Lady and the dazzling collection of crown jewels in the Green Vault. Few tourists outside Germany seem to be aware of Dresden’s riches, however, leaving blockbuster sights relatively crowd-free.

At the end of the journey, passengers can disembark in either Paris or London. Booking quickly is to your advantage; those who reserve a place on this journey before March 31 receive a complimentary night at the legendary Hotel Cipriani in Venice.

Details: Depart Venice on Thursday, July 14. Arrive in Paris or London on Thursday, July 21. $7,500 per person, based on double occupancy